Borneo Turtle & Elephant Encounter

Fly to Kuching. 

Land Kuching and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Why not visit the interesting Borneo Culture Museum which offers 5 floors of interactive exhibitions showcasing the highlights of Sarawak.  

• Hotel Description

This morning, depart from the city and explore the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, a facility committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered orangutans. Head back to the city for lunch and embark on a guided tour to uncover the allure of this pristine and verdant riverine city. Traditional Chinese temples and vibrant markets grace nearly every corner. Return to the hotel and relish the evening at your leisure. (B,L)

Depart Kuching and travel by road (approximately 2 hours) to the quaint coastal town of Sematan. Enjoy an early lunch at a local restaurant before taking a 40-minute boat ride to the Talang Talang Islands, which form part of the Talang Satang National Park. Start your day with a hotel pick-up in Kuching and travel by road (approximately 2 hours) to the quaint coastal town of Sematan. Enjoy an early lunch at a local restaurant or coffee shop before heading to the boat jetty. Take a 40-minute boat ride to the Talang Talang Islands, a part of the Talang Satang National Park. Enjoy the remainder of the day free to unwind, swim, or snorkel.
Late afternoon attend a briefing conducted by a park ranger about the program and receive assignments or areas of responsibility. Also take part in nightly beach patrols to monitor turtle landings. Spend the night at the ranger station. (B,L,D)

Today undertake turtle volunteer tasks as instructed by the park rangers, including conducting beach patrols to identify turtle arrivals, monitoring turtle nesting activity, tagging and measuring turtles, transferring eggs to the hatchery, releasing hatchlings, engaging in data recording, and participating in other on-site conservation activities. Stay overnight at the ranger station. (B,L,D)

Following breakfast, enjoy a leisurely and relaxed time on the beach or take a swim. Board a boat late morning and return to Sematan. Return to Kuching, arriving in the late afternoon. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Return to Kuching and take a flight to Sandakan, with a stopover in Kota Kinabalu. Upon landing, drive to Sepilok and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Consider visiting the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), which has transformed from a small environmental education centre in 1996 into one of Sabah's premier educational resources. Nestled within the renowned Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the RDC is situated in the habitat of the orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Explore the rainforest through a 347-metre-long canopy walkway and a network of trails and paths, offering a unique perspective from both the treetops and ground level. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

This morning, embark on a visit to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre to witness the orangutan feeding. Take the chance to observe the juveniles in the nursery before proceeding to the outdoor feeding platform to await the arrival of the adult orangutans. Afterward, explore the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to promoting sun bear conservation in Borneo through initiatives focused on animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, research, and education.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, providing an opportunity to unwind amidst the natural beauty of the resort's jungle surroundings. (B,L,D)

Depart Sepilok and travel by boat to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary, navigating through the Mangrove Forest. This location provides numerous opportunities to observe the resident wildlife, so be sure to keep a keen eye out for the diverse species that inhabit this captivating environment. Arrive Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge and check in. Embark on a wildlife river cruise to search for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and other birdlife. (B,L,D)

• Hotel Description

This morning, embark on a boat trip to explore the early risers of the picturesque Oxbow Lake region of the river. This opportune time allows you to witness wildlife emerging in the cool morning air as they seek breakfast. After the boat trip, return to the lodge for your own breakfast before enjoying time at leisure. Lunch will be taken at Sukau village before an afternoon river cruise followed by dinner. (B,L,D)

After breakfast drive to the Borneo Elephant Sanctuary, approx a 1hr drive from the lodge. This is Sabah's designated natural-habitat sanctuary created to cater to the needs of endangered elephants. It is specifically developed and designed for elephants that are unwell or in need, often injured due to conflicts between humans and elephants. Meet the rescued elephants and learn about the important work being done in the sanctuary. Return to the lodge for lunch and a final river cruise in search of the wildlife. (B,L,D)

This morning drive back to Sandakan and enjoy an early lunch before flying to Kota Kinabalu. Land and take the short boat crossing to Manukan Island and check in to the resort. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy a free day to relax at the resort. (B)

Enjoy a free day to relax at the resort. There are a number of water sports you can enjoy including snorkelling, diving or maybe hike to Sunset View Point. (B)

Return to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)